Twelve is the last year in the tween world and in true form Kaitlyn strikes right in the middle of the balance of child and teenager. In some ways I still see the child. She loves squishies and is over the moon about a dumpling squishy thing she got while shopping with Mema. And on the other hand she loves nothing more than pulling together a cute outfit, complete with a shoe with height, accessories, and a coat of mascara on her lashes.
On her birthday morning she woke up early (OK, I have to admit here we told her she couldn’t leave her room until 8:00 because we knew she’d be up at 5:00 AM filled with excitement), and bounded downstairs completely dressed, glowing, and exclaimed: Happy birthday to ME!
Lord please help me with this exuberant, beautiful child.
But let’s back up for a quick minute. Her celebration really kicked off Friday when Mema offered to take her shopping and to lunch for her birthday. Mema raised two boys so I’m not sure she fully understood what she was getting herself into with a child that truly becomes more energized the more stores she visits.
Jokes aside, they had a wonderful time, found some winning items (Dillards was by far the best spot I heard), and enjoyed a day together, allowing Hailey and me to finalize party details.
That night we made our own pasta for supper and had a blast (and made a mess) while doing so. We’ve only done it once before and remarked again at how easy it actually is. Just flour, eggs, and water. Plus a jar of Rao’s.
The kitchen looked like a flour bomb went off but we all ate heartily and had a lot of laughs while doing so. Pasta tip: the fettuccine turned out better than the angel hair.
Saturday morning I made birthday pancakes, only to realize we were out of syrup. Fortunately it’s nothing that extra butter can’t remedy and we enjoyed them while she opened presents. A crystal antique perfume bottle from Nana, a volcano reed diffuser from Aunt Cara and Uncle Stat, and a metal detector (her most requested item) from us. They immediately put it together and headed down to the river to try it out while I cleaned up.
After a low key afternoon her party kicked off at 4:00. She invited a few girls from her co-op over to enjoy some old fashion fun- charades, balloon relays, a surprise scavenger hunt that Hailey and I put together, and plenty of girl giggling and pizza.
Her cake request was tres leches (a household favorite) and we sang, ate, and opened presents. I think everyone had a good time, and as the guests shuffled out, we were left with one exhausted birthday girl.
Kaitlyn is a firecracker. She has energy, a sparkly personality, and over the top excitement for the things she loves. She can also swing from up to down fairly quickly, displaying an impressive range of emotion… but that may also just be twelve.
Some people are surprised that beneath her spunk and exuberance, she is quite a sensitive soul and feels emotions deeply and loves animals. Well, except for Earl. She doesn’t care much for Earl.
She loves musical theater and has a commanding presence on stage. She is athletic and can rock a basketball court or soccer field. She enjoys baking, making potions, and anything having to do with slime.
She loves voicing her opinion and her co-op teachers all sent similar end of year feedback saying: What I love most about her is that she gives everything 100 percent—every single time. She doesn’t hold back, whether it’s an assignment, a discussion, or a performance. You can just see the care and thought she puts into her work.
Her love for snuggling remains and she’ll ask me for hugs multiple times throughout the day, a request I’m happy to oblige even when I suspect it might be a bedtime delay tactic.
She keeps us on our toes, brings us so much laughter (and a few gray hairs), and truly might be part elf considering the passion she has for all things filled with sugar.
We love you so much sweet girl; thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives 💜
Leave a Comment